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Attend a screening of the film
Join OPB this fall at one of our community film screenings for “Uncovering Boarding Schools” happening in Bend, Klamath Falls and Forest Grove. Learn more here.
“Uncovering Boarding Schools: Stories of Resistance and Resilience” follows the journey of Klamath Tribes member Gabriann “Abby” Hall as she uncovers the hidden stories of her family’s experiences in Native American boarding schools, stretching from the first generation forced onto a reservation to the present era.
Through complex and deep research, she discovered that her grandmother and many other children from her family attended religious facilities that do not appear as ‘official’ Native American boarding schools. She found that those records are often difficult or impossible to access.
Instead, Abby pieced stories together by tracking down family members’ documents, talking to elders and researchers, and digging through archives across the country. What she discovered is a disturbing, often hidden history of countless deaths, fractured families and a wall of silence due to federal policies designed to destroy Native American culture. Ultimately, she also discovered a legacy of strength and resilience.
Gabriann "Abby" Hall speaks with Sandy Mosttler about the Klamath Tribes' boarding school experiences, while cinematographer LaRonn Katchia films.
Kami Horton
BEHIND THE SCENES images
Take a look behind the scenes at the making of “Uncovering Boarding Schools: Stories of Resistance and Resilience.”
In this photo from March 2024, cinematographer Jeff Kesner films Gabriann Hall at a speaking event in Bend, Ore.
Kami Horton / OPB
ARTICLES IN THIS SERIES
Read a sampling of some of the stories related to this program.
150 years ago, one of Oregon’s first Indian boarding schools opened
EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL
Short Version - Suitable for educators
This short film is adapted from the full length documentary to give an overview of the history and impact of the U.S. policy. of forced assimilation through federally funded Native American boarding schools.
UNCOVERING BOARDING SCHOOLS: Short Version
watch the short version now
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“Uncovering Boarding Schools: Stories of Resistance and Resilience” is produced by Kami Horton, edited by Bruce Barrow, and executive produced by Arya Surowidjojo for Oregon Public Broadcasting. Narration by Acosia Red Elk (Umatilla People).
The production crew includes cinematographers LaRonn Katchia (Warm Springs Tribe) and Jessie Spears (Karuk Tribe), Associate Producer Emma Barrow (Cherokee Nation), and media cultural consultant Taylor R. Tupper (Klamath Tribes).
Produced by Oregon Public Broadcasting’s history series
